Asilo de la Paz Floreana
Explore historic caves, hear tales of pirates and settlers, and encounter giant tortoises on Floreana Island.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler, drier, great wildlife
Asilo de la Paz Floreana
Best Time
Cooler, drier, great wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore historic caves, hear tales of pirates and settlers, and encounter giant tortoises on Floreana Island.
"A place where history whispers tales of pirates, pioneers, and the first Galapagos birth."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain can be uneven. Sturdy walking shoes are a must for exploring the caves and surrounding trails. :athletic_shoe:
Listen to Your Guide
Guides share fascinating history and ensure you respect the fragile ecosystem. Their stories bring the place alive. :microphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wittmer Cave
Asilo de la Paz
Step into the historic cave where the first Galapagos-born child entered the world. Imagine life for early settlers.
Pirate Legends
Asilo de la Paz
Hear captivating tales of pirates, a mysterious baroness, and early settlers that echo through this historic site.
Giant Tortoises
Asilo de la Paz
Encounter gentle giant tortoises in their natural or semi-natural habitat, a truly awe-inspiring Galapagos experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respect the Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Floreana day tour - worth it?
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain can be uneven. Sturdy walking shoes are a must for exploring the caves and surrounding trails. :athletic_shoe:
Listen to Your Guide
Guides share fascinating history and ensure you respect the fragile ecosystem. Their stories bring the place alive. :microphone:
Visiting Post Office Bay on Floreana on a day tour?
Bring Water & Snacks
There are limited facilities. Stay hydrated and energized for your exploration. :water_wave:
Capture the History
Don't forget your camera to document the unique caves and the stories they hold. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain can be uneven. Sturdy walking shoes are a must for exploring the caves and surrounding trails. :athletic_shoe:
Listen to Your Guide
Guides share fascinating history and ensure you respect the fragile ecosystem. Their stories bring the place alive. :microphone:
Bring Water & Snacks
There are limited facilities. Stay hydrated and energized for your exploration. :water_wave:
Capture the History
Don't forget your camera to document the unique caves and the stories they hold. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Asilo de la Paz to be a site rich with history and intriguing legends, offering a glimpse into the lives of early settlers and pirates. While some note the natural beauty and the chance to see tortoises, others feel the site itself has limited visual appeal beyond the stories. The transformation of the surroundings for farming has also been a point of concern for some.
"Not much to see. Sad to see turtles confined in a small place and going down to cerro Allieri crossing the surroundings being transformed for farming.
The impression is seeing a schizophrenia attitude: tourist can just bring money but are not free to move around, the money is not used to protect since locals can start building accommodation for hosting even more tourists,"
Alberto da Quero
"Asilo de la Paz ist one of the most popular tourist attractions. The site has a maximum elevation of 450 meters above sea level. In August 1932, Heinz Wittmer, his wife Margret, and Heinz's son Harry, moved to Floreana from Cologne, Germany.They initially lived in a cave at Asilo de la Paz, near a spring that provided the island's only permanent source of freshwater. On 1 January 1933, Margret gave birth to Rolf Wittmer (1933–2011) inside one of the caves; he was the first person born in the Galapagos. At this site, the family built a home, with a roof made from tanned hides and banana leaves, and named it "Casa de la Paz" (English: House of Peace)."
S. Ha.
"Enjoyed the hike, stories of crazy pirates, views, and tortoises."
Sarah Schwanbeck
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Asilo de la Paz is located on Floreana Island. Access is typically part of a guided day tour from Santa Cruz Island or by arranging private transport on Floreana. Many tours include stops at the cave, the highlands, and other points of interest.
Yes, Floreana Island is a popular destination for day trips from Santa Cruz. Tours often include snorkeling, visiting the Post Office Bay, and exploring the highlands where Asilo de la Paz is located.
The most common way to explore Floreana is via organized boat tours from Santa Cruz. These tours are comprehensive and often include transportation on the island itself, making it convenient.
While not strictly mandatory for entry, visiting with a guide is highly recommended. They provide historical context, share local legends, and ensure you understand the significance of the site.
Boat travel from Santa Cruz to Floreana typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Day tours then involve further travel on the island to reach various attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Asilo de la Paz is usually included as part of a guided tour package. If visiting independently on Floreana, there might be a small local fee or it may be covered by your transport arrangements.
Asilo de la Paz is generally accessible during daylight hours as part of organized tours. Specific timings depend on the tour operator's schedule.
Tickets are typically not sold separately for Asilo de la Paz. You book a Floreana Island day tour, which includes access to the site. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
Visitors are asked to be respectful of the historical site and the natural environment. Guides will advise on any specific restrictions within the caves.
A typical Floreana day tour from Santa Cruz includes boat transport, guided visits to sites like Asilo de la Paz, Post Office Bay, snorkeling spots, and often lunch.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Asilo de la Paz, you can explore the historic Wittmer cave, learn about the island's early settlers and pirate lore, and often see giant tortoises in the vicinity. The views from Cerro Allegro are also notable.
The hike is generally considered moderate. It involves some uphill sections and can be uneven terrain, so comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Yes, you can often see giant tortoises in the surrounding highlands. The area is also home to various bird species.
The site is rich with stories of early German settlers like the Wittmer family, who lived in the caves, and tales of pirates, a doctor, and a baroness who once inhabited Floreana.
Asilo de la Paz is located at a maximum elevation of 450 meters above sea level, offering scenic views of the island.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique interior of the Wittmer cave, the dramatic landscapes from higher viewpoints, and any wildlife you encounter, especially the giant tortoises.
Photography inside the cave is generally permitted, but it's advisable to use flash sparingly to avoid disturbing any potential inhabitants and to respect the historical nature of the site.
Morning light can be softer and less harsh, making it ideal for landscape shots. Wildlife is often more active in the early morning or late afternoon.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the cave interiors and expansive views.
Always follow your guide's instructions regarding photography, especially around wildlife and sensitive historical areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting, ensure children wear comfortable shoes for the hike and bring plenty of water. Guides can often tailor their stories to be more engaging for younger audiences. The historical aspect of the caves provides a different kind of adventure, sparking imagination about life in the past. It’s a good opportunity to teach them about conservation and the importance of respecting wildlife and historical sites.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Lore Seekers
Engage deeply with your guide to uncover the full spectrum of narratives associated with the caves and the surrounding highlands. The historical context provided here offers a unique perspective on human settlement and the often-unsettling dramas that unfolded in the Galapagos, complementing the islands' renowned natural beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wittmer Family and the 'House of Peace'
Visiting the cave offers a tangible connection to this unique chapter of human settlement in the Galapagos. Guides often share vivid anecdotes about the Wittmers' lives, their challenges, and their contributions to the island's early development. The site is more than just a geological formation; it's a living museum of human resilience and adaptation in an isolated environment. The stories of survival and the establishment of the first permanent human settlement add a profound layer to the natural beauty of the Galapagos.
While the original 'Casa de la Paz' may have evolved, the cave itself remains a poignant reminder of their presence. The surrounding area, though now experiencing some agricultural transformation, still evokes the spirit of those early days. It's a place where history and nature converge, offering visitors a unique perspective beyond the typical wildlife encounters.
Floreana's Infamous 'Baroness' and Pirate Lore
Guides at Asilo de la Paz often weave these captivating narratives into the visitor experience, bringing to life the island's wild past. You'll hear about daring pirates who used the caves as hideouts, the mysterious fates of some of the island's early settlers, and the complex relationships that unfolded in this remote paradise. These stories add a layer of intrigue and human drama to the natural wonders of the Galapagos.
Exploring the area around Asilo de la Paz, with its rugged terrain and historical significance, provides a perfect backdrop for these tales. It’s a chance to connect with the human element of the Galapagos, understanding that for centuries, people have been drawn to these islands, each with their own dreams and destinies. The legends of pirates and the baroness make Asilo de la Paz a truly memorable stop on any Floreana itinerary.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit